Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN CHRIST
Ephesians 3:1-14

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6)
In this passage  Paul opens our eyes to the “mystery of Christ” and shows us that through Jesus Christ the love story of God and his people, the Jews,became a love story between God and all of mankind.  It is a revelation of God’s blessings to the Gentile people.  In this passage Paul is proclaiming the good news that Jesus Christ came in to this world, not just for Jews but for the whole world and that we are all united in Christ.  He reminds us about the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.
In Christ we can approach God with freedom and confidence: Although the Jews were God’s chosen people, they were kept separate from Him and warned not to approach him unless they were consecrated (Exodus 19:21-22). But Christ’s death on the cross tore the veil in two and he became the open door for us to have direct access to God.  What a blessing that this freedom that had been unattainable for anyone until this point was then given to all! In Christ God has given us the spiritual blessing of boldness, therefore we can be fearless and have courage to face anything in this life. In Christ we can have confidence that we are blessed with every spiritual blessings that we will ever need to live an abundant life here on earth and also an eternal life in heaven with God the Father and Jesus, our Savior.

In Christ we are the Recipients of God’s gracious salvation:  Paul never ceased to be thankful for God’s grace. Though he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and a violent aggressor, yet he was shown mercy, and God’s grace was more than abundant for the chief of sinners. If we think about where we used to be as sinners, and where we would have been today if God had not shown His grace, we will overflow with gratitude.  In Christ, God has given us the right to come before Him in prayer. We have been given the ability and the right to enter in His presence, to approach His throne, to speak with Him anytime anywhere. Being an apostle was not Paul’s career choice. It was given to him as a sacred stewardship of God’s grace. To honor, to serve, to love and to witness Jesus Christ is the most sacred privilege in our lives. Are we truly grateful to God for His son and His grace? 

                          Prayer: Heavenly Father; thank you for your son, Jesus Christ and the blessings that you have given us through Him.  Thank you for the deep, open and free relationship with you and have the blessing of experiencing your presence and your grace.  Amen.

Mathew K. Lukose, Ephiphany MTC, New York

                                                                                                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

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